Starting Out In Tampa, Florida

[Jason Pinkerton]

Hello Everyone,

I've been listening to BP for a couple months now and am ready to start my first deal. I live in Tampa, FL (33621) and am trying to stay in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Brandon area. I grew up here, but have been away for 16 years in the military. I'm stationed back at MacDill and discovered real estate investing when  trying to rent out a previous home I owned at my last duty station. I am looking for people to connect with in the Tampa area. To be honest, right now I just want to get a little more knowledge. I'm not trying to sell anything. I'm looking to build relationships with people like the ones on BP. In the future, I'm definitely interested in doing deals and such with someone, however, I'm being cautious no to overextend myself (I'm still active duty military...kind of takes up some time). 

I guess some questions I have are:

1. Any good contractors, wholesalers, or lenders, real estate agents in the area

2. Any areas that tend to be great investment or (kind of more importantly) terrible investment areas

3. Just any other "good tips" you have for the area.

Thanks for any information.

-Jason Pinkerton

Rent Ready Tampa, LLC